A Healthier You On Your Menopausal Stage

The menopausal stage is when the levels of your progesterone and estrogen hormones fall below the normal levels. It is also the stage when your reproductive system stops producing eggs. One of the signs of menopause is the cessation of your menstruation, which means you are no longer capable of becoming pregnant. This causes a period of emotional and physical change that can stress you out if you are not prepared for it.

Predicting Menopause

There is no precise age when menopause occurs. Studies show that the menopausal stage usually occurs between forty-four and fifty-five years old. However, some women experience the menopausal stage as early as thirty-five or as late as sixty years old. If you fall into one of these groups, do not worry. It does not signify that you have abnormal hormonal changes. However, there are medical cases in which the menopausal stage starts at the young age of 18, which is considered abnormal.

Without the normal estrogen level, the risk of having a heart attack and osteoporosis becomes higher. If you have a family history of osteoporosis and heart diseases, you should notify your doctor.

Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

You will know that you are close to menopause when you notice that your periods gradually become further apart. Your menstruation period will become shorter compared to when you were younger. Some women bleed heavier within a shorter amount of time. However, there are cases in which the menstrual cycle just stops without any signs or symptoms.

Most women experience the menopausal stage for a couple of years, but others experience it as long as 7 years.

Physical Symptoms of Menopause

Your levels of estrogen and progesterone will start to decrease a few years before your menstruation stops. Here are some physical symptoms of which you need to take note:

You may experience hot flashes. Most women experience an all-over hot feeling that is enough to turn on the air-conditioning system. It is common for women to shiver with cold after these flashes pass. Some also feel a crawling sensation on their skin. Hot flushes are usually experienced at night. This can disrupt your sleeping pattern.

Because your estrogen starts to decrease, the elasticity of your skin will start to decrease, making your skin itchy and dry.

You may also notice that your period is heavier. However, if you experience this, you need to consult your doctor. Why? There are some medical conditions caused by heavy bleeding like fibroids and polyps.